We Help Children Remain Healthy in Our Pediatric Dentist Office

The challenge for a pediatric dentist is not that we face a plethora of diseases or challenges specific to children. Much to the contrary, in our day to day practice many of the problems we cure are very similar to those cured by dentists that are not involved in pediatric dentistry.

However, what is challenging is the fact that our patients are all growing. This means that their teeth are not at their full size so we have to anticipate change. In addition to this challenge is the fact that many children are intimidated by the dentist office. With all the white coats, strange looking devices, and the dentist chair this is an understandable childish fear.

Already nervous, we are going to need these children to help us make a diagnosis by discussing what is bothering them. When treating an adult, a dentist can expect to get a few facts with relative ease. Where does it hurt? When did it start? What might be the problem? With a child, however, these answers are often vague since children do not see the world as adults do, and everything is more relative. To work past this, we have had to specialize in the information obtaining techniques that work on children specifically.

As a pediatric dentist, we have learned that there are some challenges that are more common to children than to adults. Decay is one of those areas where we see a higher occurrence in children than in adults. Decay manifest itself in cavities, or tiny holes in the enamel. Most people know that cavities are caused by the naturally occurring bacteria that colonizes on the teeth. This colony of bacteria forms a thin film known as plaque. When your child eats something that is high in sugar content, or starch, the bacteria also use this as food. In the process, the bacteria secrete acid. The acid starts to eat away at the enamel of the tooth and left untreated will eventually create the small hole of decay known as a cavity. The good news is that it is very easy to avoid decay. To do this, you will need to restrict the amount of sweet and starchy foods your child eats, and teach them great oral hygiene habits. Brushing their teeth twice a day, seeing the dentist on a regular schedule, using floss, and learning to rinse their mouth after ever snack or meal will go far to helping your child avoid painful cavities.

Among other things that we see frequently in our pediatric dentist office are things like the common canker sore. Canker sores can form due a number of different minor issues and while painful, can easily be treated with an anti-microbial mouthwash. Also, children are most likely to tell you about sensitivity in their teeth. Sensitivity manifests itself as a discomfort to hot, cold, or sweet. This irritation will be present every time your child eats and may be a symptom of a deeper problem like wearing down of the enamel, cavities, or a gum disease. You can help at home by brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, but we highly recommend you bring them to our dental office for a check-up.